European Film Festival 2025 – Lecce, Italy

Background and History

The European Film Festival, founded in 2000 by Art Promotion, a non-profit cultural association established in 1998, is a cornerstone of European cinema, promoting dialogue among diverse cultures and cinematic languages. Held annually in Lecce, Italy, the festival has grown in national and international significance over its 26-year history, showcasing emerging and established filmmakers.

Organized by enthusiasts dedicated to cultural exchange, it collaborates with institutions like Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, Cineteca di Bologna, S.N.G.C.I., FIPRESCI, and Università del Salento, and holds patronage from the European Parliament. The 2025 edition continues its tradition of quality programming, celebrating European cinema’s diversity and innovation.

Theme and Focus

The festival’s theme, “Dialogues,” emphasizes deep connections between self, others, and diverse perspectives—ethnic, generational, and cultural. It aims to foster cultural exchange, avoid standardization, and reflect societal contradictions through cinema. The 2025 edition, curated by directors Alberto and Luigi La Monica, showcases 10 European feature films in competition, alongside documentaries, short films, and tributes, promoting new voices and established talents.

Event Highlights

The 26th European Film Festival, held from November 15–22, 2025, offers a rich program at Multisala Massimo and other Lecce venues:

• European Feature Films Competition: 10 films compete for the Golden Olive Tree (Ulivo d’Oro) and other awards, selected for their artistic and cultural significance.
• Tributes and Retrospectives: Honors to European and Italian cinema figures, such as Ken Loach and Giovanna Mezzogiorno (2024 examples, 2025 TBD).
• Cinema and Reality: Italian documentaries in regional premieres, addressing social and cultural themes.
• Puglia Show: Short films by young Apulian filmmakers under 35, competing for awards like the CNC Prize.
• Mario Verdone and Emidio Greco Awards: Recognizing outstanding debut films and short films by young Italian directors.
• EFA Shorts: Showcases European Film Academy-nominated short films.
• Special Events: Public talks, concerts, and screenings, including LUX Audience Award-nominated films for 2025, encouraging audience ratings via the LUX platform.
• Festival OFF: Collateral events like exhibitions and workshops, enhancing cultural engagement.
• 2024 Highlights (for context): Featured films like Three Days of Fish (Golden Olive winner), Breathing Underwater (Special Jury Award), and tributes to Ken Loach and Giovanna Mezzogiorno, with a restored screening of Nanni Moretti’s Ecce Bombo.

Awards

The festival presents a range of prestigious awards to celebrate cinematic excellence:

• Golden Olive Tree (Ulivo d’Oro): Best European Film, awarded by an international jury.
• Best Cinematography Award: Recognizes outstanding visual storytelling.
• Best Screenplay Award: Honors exceptional narrative craft.
• Special Jury Award: For unique contributions to cinema.
• SNGCI Prize: Best European Actor or Actress, awarded by the Italian Film Journalists Union.
• FIPRESCI Prize: International critics’ award for artistic merit.
• Cineuropa Prize: For films promoting European cultural values.
• Mario Verdone Award: For the best debut feature by a young Italian director, selected by the Verdone family and SNGCI.
• Emidio Greco Award: For the best short film by a young Italian filmmaker.
• Puglia Show Awards: Including CNC Prize for best Apulian short film.
• LUX Audience Award: Audience-voted award for nominated films, rated via the LUX platform.

Dates and Duration

• Dates: November 15–22, 2025
• Duration: 8 days
• Submission Deadline: September 15, 2025 (for filmmakers, via festivaldelcinemaeuropeo.com)

Main Address

• Administrative Office: Cineporto di Lecce, c/o Manifatture Knos, Via Vecchia Frigole, 36, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy
• Email: comunicazione@festivaldelcinemaeuropeo.com
• Website: www.festivaldelcinemaeuropeo.com

All Venues

• Multisala Massimo: Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 63, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy (main venue for screenings).
• Cineporto di Lecce: Via Vecchia Frigole, 36, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy (administrative and select events).
• Additional Venues: Collateral events (e.g., Festival OFF) may occur in Lecce’s historic center, such as Palazzo Baronale or cultural spaces (TBD, check festival website).

Contact Information

• General Inquiries: comunicazione@festivaldelcinemaeuropeo.com
• Phone: +39 0832 093331
• Press Office: press@festivaldelcinemaeuropeo.com
• Submissions: office@festivaldelcinemaeuropeo.com
• Website: www.festivaldelcinemaeuropeo.com
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/festivaldelcinemaeuropeo
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/festivaldelcinemaeuropeo
  • X: www.twitter.com/FestCinemaEuro
  • YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FestivaldelCinemaEuropeo
  • Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/festivaldelcinemaeuropeo
• Tourist Info: www.lecceinscena.it, www.comune.lecce.it

Ticket Information

• Pricing (1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD, based on previous editions, 2025 TBD):
  • Single Screening: ~€5–€10 ($5.50–$11), depending on venue and event.
  • Daily Pass: ~€15–€25 ($16.50–$27.50, estimated).
  • Festival Pass: ~€50–€80 ($55–$88, estimated for full access).
  • Group Discounts: Available for schools or cultural associations (~€3–€5/$3.30–$5.50 per ticket, TBD).
  • Free Events: Some talks, exhibitions, and Festival OFF events may be free.
• Special Rates:
  • Students/Under 26: Discounts likely (~30–50% off, TBD).
  • Accredited Guests: Press and industry passes available (apply via website).
• Purchase Information:
  • Online: www.festivaldelcinemaeuropeo.com (Tickets section, expected by October 2025).
  • On-Site: Multisala Massimo box office (Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 63, Lecce) during festival dates.
  • Notes: 2025 pricing not yet announced; check website closer to the event. Early booking recommended for popular screenings (e.g., award ceremonies, tributes).

Cultural Experience

The European Film Festival transforms Lecce, a Baroque gem in Puglia, into a cinematic hub. Visitors explore European cinema through diverse screenings, from avant-garde shorts to feature films, set against Lecce’s historic architecture. The “Dialogues” theme fosters reflection on cultural and social issues, with events like LUX Audience Award voting engaging audiences interactively. Tributes to cinema legends, Puglia Show shorts, and Festival OFF events (e.g., talks, exhibitions) create a vibrant atmosphere, complemented by Lecce’s local cuisine and historic charm.

Food and Drinks

Lecce’s culinary scene enhances the festival experience:

• Pasticciotto: Custard-filled pastry (~$2.20). Try at Pasticceria Alvino (Piazza Sant’Oronzo, 30, 73100 Lecce LE).
• Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa: Pasta with turnip greens (~$11). At Osteria degli Spiriti (Via Cesare Battisti, 4, 73100 Lecce LE).
• Frisella: Toasted bread with tomatoes (~$5.50). Enjoy at La Vecchia Osteria (Via delle Bombarde, 2, 73100 Lecce LE).
• Primitivo Wine: Local red (~$6.60/glass). At Volo Restaurant (Via G. Candido, 3, 73100 Lecce LE).
• Caffè in Ghiaccio: Iced coffee with almond milk (~$3.30). At Caffè Alvino (Piazza Sant’Oronzo, 30, 73100 Lecce LE). Visit Piazza Sant’Oronzo or Via Vittorio Emanuele II for authentic eateries near Multisala Massimo.

Family and Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: Some screenings (e.g., EFA Shorts) and Festival OFF events are suitable for families. Children under 12 may receive free or discounted entry (TBD, check website).
• Accessibility: Multisala Massimo offers wheelchair-accessible seating. Contact comunicazione@festivaldelcinemaeuropeo.com for accommodations. Lecce’s historic center may have cobblestone challenges; plan routes via modern areas near venues.

Getting There

• By Air: Brindisi Airport (BDS, 45 km, ~$44 taxi or $5.50 shuttle to Lecce). Bari (BRI, 150 km, ~$110 taxi or $8.80 train).
• By Train: Lecce Station (Trenitalia, Bari ~1.5 hr, $6.60; Rome ~5 hr, $44). 5-minute walk to Multisala Massimo.
• By Car: A14 to Lecce. Park near Piazza Mazzini (~$1.10–$2.20/day). Note ZTL restrictions in the historic center.
• By Public Transport: Bus lines 1/101 to Piazza Sant’Oronzo ($1.10). Multisala Massimo is walkable from central Lecce.
• On Foot: Lecce’s compact center makes venues like Multisala Massimo a 5–10 minute walk from Piazza Sant’Oronzo.

Program Overview

• November 15–22, 2025:
  • Opening Ceremony: November 15, likely featuring a premiere or tribute (TBD).
  • European Feature Films Competition: 10 films, daily screenings at Multisala Massimo.
  • Puglia Show: Apulian short films, competing for CNC and other awards.
  • Cinema and Reality: Italian documentaries, regional premieres.
  • Tributes/Retrospectives: Honoring cinema icons (2025 names TBD).
  • EFA Shorts: European Film Academy shorts screenings.
  • LUX Audience Award: Audience-rated films via the LUX platform.
  • Festival OFF: Talks, exhibitions, and concerts in Lecce’s cultural spaces.
  • Closing Ceremony: November 22, awards announcement and closing film (TBD).

Notable Features

• Golden Olive Tree: Prestigious award for Best European Film, highlighting cinematic excellence.
• Puglia Show: Showcases young Apulian talent, fostering regional cinema.
• Cultural Dialogue: The “Dialogues” theme promotes cross-cultural exchange through diverse films.
• Collaborations: Partnerships with FIPRESCI, SNGCI, and Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia elevate the festival’s prestige.
• LUX Audience Award: Interactive voting engages audiences in European cinema.

Accommodation Tips

• Hotel President: Viale Giosuè Carducci, 10, 73100 Lecce LE (~$88–$165/night), near Piazza Mazzini.
• Torre del Parco: Viale Torre del Parco, 1, 73100 Lecce LE (~$110–$220/night), historic setting.
• B&B Centro Storico Lecce: Via Vignes, 2, 73100 Lecce LE (~$55–$110/night), budget-friendly, near Multisala Massimo. Book early for November, as Lecce attracts festival-goers. Check www.comune.lecce.it for packages.

Planning Assistance

• Recommendations: Attend the opening ceremony (November 15) for a premiere or tribute. Puglia Show screenings are ideal for discovering new talent. Participate in the LUX Audience Award voting for an interactive experience. Check Festival OFF for free events.
• Navigating Tickets: Purchase online (www.festivaldelcinemaeuropeo.com, expected October 2025) or at Multisala Massimo. Festival passes (~$55–$88) offer the best value for multiple screenings.
• Exploring Lecce: Visit Piazza Sant’Oronzo or Basilica di Santa Croce (5-minute walk from Multisala Massimo). Enjoy pasticciotto at nearby cafés post-screening.
• Tips: Dress for cool November weather (~12°C/54°F). Arrive early for popular screenings (e.g., award ceremonies). Monitor the festival website for 2025 program updates.